Recently I was at my local train hobby store and while checking out what's new in both new and used trains I spotted a Lionel 736 2-8-4 Berkshire from 1950 with a 2426W metal tender. Now I know that in 1950 the Berkshire came with the 2671W plastic Pennsylvania tender with the 6 wheel trucks. I also know that the locomotive is the 1950 version as it does not have the support piece under the headlight casting. I my opinion this is the correct tender in appearance from this locomotive just like it was from 1946-49. The tender has the metal whistle housing so I know it is from 1946-48 because in 1949 Lionel switched the whistle housing to plastic. They are both in excellent condition. The locomotive blows great smoke rings and has strong Magna-traction. The tender has a nice sounding whistle. As to the price, $175.00 but no boxes. I have run them several times and happy to have purchased them.
I have another 736 from 1953-54 that has the support piece under the headlight casting and this locomotive came with also a 2426W tender but with a plastic whistle housing. I purchased this locomotive and tender about 35 years ago. It belong to the man who got me started in electric trains in the early 1950's. Somehow over the years he must have put the locomotive with the 2426W tender. I thought that this is a nice story to share with those of us in this wonderful hobby of ours.
Thank you.
Edward Gerson
Along The New Haven Line Of Metro-North And Amtrak In Westchester County, NY.
